IMPORTANT SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND UPDATES
Unfortunately, over the years there has been confusing messages put out there about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) and various deadlines that may or may not apply to you. In the last few months, many 9/11 organizations and VCF law firms have been talking about a deadline that is fast approaching, July 29, 2021.
So what is the July 29th 2021 Deadline and does it apply to you?
The issue with the VCF deadlines has to do with the “Registration Process” as opposed to the “Claims Filing Process”.
The July 29th deadline is a timely filing deadline. Simply put, applicants must register for the VCF BEFORE JULY 29, 2021 IF THEY WERE CERTIFIED FOR A PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITION BY THE WTC HEALTH PROGRAM PRIOR TO JULY 29TH 2019.
The July 29th 2021 Deadline also applies to family members applying on behalf of a deceased relative if that relative passed away from a 9/11 illness such as cancer before July 29, 2021. Even if someone passed away years ago, the Estate may still qualify. In essence, the statute of limitations (the time in which to register a claim) for otherwise valid claims was extended from the date of the reauthorization. Which means those who were certified many years ago, and/or families who lost loves ones due to a 9/11 cancer (or other condition) going back many years can still register a timely claim.